Could yoghurt help people with Alzheimer's?

According to scientists, probiotic yogurts and supplements – which contain live bacteria and yeasts – can boost brain function in humans - improving memory, concentration, decision-making, thinking and understanding.

Known as 'friendly bacteria', probiotics are touted by experts as a cure for dodgy digestion, a weak immune system, allergies, gum disease and even problem skin, but now scientists are hoping that they might also boost brain function.

ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW

The study

Over 12 weeks, a group of 52 people aged between 60 and 95 with Alzheimer's, drank a daily dose of lactobacillus and bifidobacterium bacteria, which is found in natural yogurts and probiotic drinks. The study found that there were 'moderate but significant' improvements in memory and thinking for participants.

Researchers from Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, and Islamic Azad University, in Tehran, Iran gave one half of the group a daily 200ml milk drink enriched with four probiotic bacteria, Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. casei, L. fermentum, and Bifidobacterium bifidum, to consume, containing 400 billion bacteria per species. The other half of the group drank a daily untreated milk drink.

Those who took part were then tested for cognitive function. Over the course the average score in the group receiving probiotics increased from 8.7 to 10.6, out of a maximum of 30, but in the control group there was a decline from 8.5 to 8.0.

Professor Mahmoud Salami from Kashan University, the senior author of the study says that this is the first time that probiotic supplementation has been shown to boost brain power in cognitively impaired humans.

"These findings indicate that change in the metabolic adjustments might be a mechanism by which probiotics affect Alzheimer's and possibly other neurological disorders. We plan to look at these mechanisms in greater detail in our next study."

What do experts thinks?

Dr Rosa Sancho, head of research at Alzheimer's Research UK, says that this new study raises interesting questions about the link between the gut and the brain. She says:

"The brain is often viewed as being separate from the rest of the body but scientists are understanding more about how changes in the body can impact upon the brain too. This new study raises interesting questions about the link between the gut and the brain, and their association with Alzheimer's disease. The improvements in memory and thinking seen in people with Alzheimer's disease in this study will need to be repeated in much larger studies before we can understand the real benefits of probiotics for the brain. We don't fully understand how changes in the gut could be affecting the brain, and Alzheimer's Research UK is funding research in this area to improve our understanding of this link."

What are probiotics?

The World Health Organization defines probiotics as 'live organisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host'. Probiotics is a broad term for living organisms like bacteria and yeast. There are thousands of different type of probiotics, from lactobacilli (for example, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus GG), bifidobacteria (such as Bifidobacterium bifidus) and some yeasts (Saccharomyces boulardii). These organisms are similar to ones already present in the digestive tract, so when you eat them, they each offer a different benefit to your body.

The study is published in the journal Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience.

The materials in this web site are in no way intended to replace the professional medical care, advice, diagnosis or treatment of a doctor. The web site does not have answers to all problems. Answers to specific problems may not apply to everyone. If you notice medical symptoms or feel ill, you should consult your doctor - for further information see our Terms and conditions.

Getting healthy just got a whole lot easier

Don't miss out on the latest healthy living news and inspiration direct to your inbox.

Enter your email address:

this is a test error

We will also let you know about discounts and great offers from us, tick this box if you'd rather not know about these.
Hearst Partners would like to let you know about some of their fantastic discounts, special offers, and promotions. We promise you wont be bombarded. Tick here if you would like to receive these.